Chelsea’s winning streak in domestic cup competitions this season was extended with a 3-1 victory against Aston Villa in an FA Cup fourth-round replay on Wednesday. This came at the same time that manager Mauricio Pochettino was under criticism for the team’s numerous poor performances in the Premier League.
Chelsea came to Villa Park having lost both of their league matches, 4-1 away to Liverpool and 4-2 at home to Wolverhampton. The pressure on Pochettino had increased, and at the conclusion of the Wolves game, the wife of defender Thiago Silva appeared to criticize the Argentine by posting on X, the previous Twitter platform: “It’s time to change.” You won’t have enough time if you wait any longer.
Chelsea’s players gave a performance that would have made their boss pleased. Conor Gallagher and Nicolas Jackson scored goals in the first half, and in the 54th, Enzo Fernandez produced a magnificent free kick that curled past Emi Martinez, another Argentine World Cup winner.
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In celebration, Fernandez lifted off his shirt and gestured to his name on the reverse side.
Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell stated, “It wasn’t just the manager—everyone associated with the club needed that today.”
This season, Villa has been nearly unbeatable at home, but Chelsea’s tenacity was too much for the hosts to handle. Moussa Diaby, who replaced the injured player, gave them comfort in the opening minute of stoppage time.
Three days later, Chelsea, which defeated Liverpool in the English League Cup final on February 25, will host Leeds, a lower division team, in the FA Cup’s fifth round, or round of sixteen.
Nottingham Forest defeated lower-division Bristol City 5-3 in a penalty shootout to advance in a replay and earn a home match against Manchester United. When extra time expired, the score was tied at one.
Sam Bell’s shot was stopped by American goalie Matt Turner, who made the sole save in the shootout. The game-winning spot kick was converted by Taiwo Awoniyi.
